Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
This diagnosis follows her battle with breast cancer, which announced she had successfully "beat" just weeks ago.
A spokesperson for the Duchess confirmed the news, telling PEOPLE: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma."
The Duchess underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, during which several moles were removed and examined by a dermatologist. One of the moles was found to be cancerous.
The spokesperson praised the vigilance of the medical team, saying: "The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was."
The Duchess of York is currently receiving treatment for her melanoma in London and has taken some time to recuperate at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria. Her representative noted: "She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.
"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits."
Princess Beatrice, the Duchess's eldest daughter, has a special connection to this situation as she is a patron of the British Skin Foundation and has worked with skin cancer patients in the past.
Last November, Sarah Ferguson expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her daughters, Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, throughout her breast cancer journey. She described them as her "wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions, and my soulmates."
Fergie's initial breast cancer diagnosis came in June, detected during a routine mammogram screening. She underwent successful surgery and declared her victory over breast cancer in a New Year's Eve message on social media.
Maintaining her sense of humor throughout her health battles, the Duchess revealed that she nicknamed her reconstructed left breast "Derek" and emphasized the importance of early detection in her Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah podcast. She encouraged everyone to prioritize regular check-ups and screenings.
We wish the Duchess of York the very best with her health battle.
